In the Zona Sul, the celebrated Samba da Vela has been taking place on Monday nights for years, at the Casa de Cultura de Santo Amaro, a colonial-style mansion. During the session, a lit candle determines the duration of the party, which ends when the candle burns out. A hotspot for new samba composers, it's been the launching point for many of the musicians currently on the circuit. The music is preceded by a discussion, and even newbies are encouraged to sing as the group's leaders speed up the verses, clapping their hands to keep the rhythm.

• Read more on São Paulo's samba hotspots